Bruce Garrioch, QMI Agency

There was no sign of Jason Spezza Monday morning at the Canadian Tire Centre.

While Chris Phillips did go for a twirl, the veteran defenceman and the club's captain weren't in the lineup against the Capitals, but they could return in time for Thursday's visit by Winnipeg.

Phillips was favouring the foot he used to block a shot Friday. As for Spezza, he's bothered by the hip issue that flared up after the 5-0 loss to the Bruins.

Not having Spezza changes the look up front.

"He's the captain of the team so leadership, his faceoff ability is one of the best in the league, his ability to create offence, he's a big man who gets through the middle of the rink," said coach Paul MacLean. "There's a lot of things that aren't there and he's a veteran player."

With eight blueliners here, the Senators won't be making a deal for Rangers defenceman Michael Del Zotto anytime soon unless New York lowers its asking price. Not only do they want Marc Methot in retu